The Disco Biscuits Go Hollywood At L.A.'s Fonda Theatre [Photos/Videos]

On a rainy February night, The Fonda Theatre in Hollywood became a portal to another dimension, courtesy of The Disco Biscuits.

Since forming in Philadelphia during the mid-1990s, the band has carved a unique niche within the jam scene by integrating elements of electronic music with instrumental improvisation. Members Marc Brownstein (bass), Jon Gutwillig (guitar), Aron Magner (keyboards), and Allen Aucoin (drums) have consistently pushed the boundaries of live music, creating a distinct sound that, coupled with a compelling light-and-laser display, has garnered them a devoted following. Now, they’re on the road, priming their fans for the upcoming release of their latest album, Revolution in Motion, on March 29.

This particular evening kicked off with “Spaga”, a piece that perfectly encapsulates The Disco Biscuits’ nearly 30-year journey as trance-fusion pioneers. The transition into “M1” showcased the band’s unparalleled ability to weave between compositions, highlighting the tight, telepathic communication between Brownstein, Gutwillig, Magner, and Aucoin.

The quartet continued to build their musical momentum, culminating in a euphoric rendition of “We Like to Party”. The set-closing track perfectly exemplified the band’s ability to merge the energy of electronic music with the soul of live instrumentation.

The second set ventured further into The Disco Biscuits’ innovative soundscapes with “Digital Buddha”, a track that has evolved into a live powerhouse over the years. The seamless segue into “Munchkin Invasion” and the subsequent journey into “Miracles” (inverted version) showcased the band’s ability to flip their own script, offering fresh interpretations of their entrancing material.

The group completed the second set with a masterclass run of “Tempest” into “Great Abyss”, followed by a “Digital Buddha” reprise. Together, those tracks delivered a narrative arc that was both compelling and cathartic for the fun-loving, happy-footed audience.

Choosing “Basis for a Day” as the encore was a statement by The Disco Biscuits—a nod to their extensive history in the jam scene and the evolution of their sound. This track, beloved by fans, served as a reminder of the band’s development from its mid-Atlantic roots to the forefront of trance-fusion.

Throughout their career, The Disco Biscuits have been more than a band; they’ve been an underground musical phenomenon, continuously evolving while staying true to their core sound. Their performance at The Fonda was a testament to their resilience, innovation, and the profound connection they share with their audience. As they journeyed through each set, it was clear that Brownstein, Gutwillig, Magner, and Aucoin are not just musicians but architects of experience, crafting moments that transcend the confines of genre and time.

Those skills will be on full display as The Disco Biscuits continue their 2024 tour. They’ll head to Arizona for the Gem & Jam before playing six shows in seven days across Colorado. From there, the band will spend March hopping along the East Coast—including an album release show at New York City’s Webster Hall on March 29th—before rambling through the South in April and, eventually, winding up in Michigan this June at the Electric Forest Festival. For a full list of the band’s upcoming tour dates and to purchase tickets, head here.

The Disco Biscuits – “Spaga” – 2/1/24

[Video: Psilocybonaut]